Everyone knows about MySpace, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook as great ways to promote your music to the masses online, but dig a little deeper and there are some truly great tools available for those looking to get their music out there – and ahead of the competition.

Guest Post: Writer and music biz veteran Kelly McCartneyhas worked in the music industry for over 20 years and, according to him – even as so many things have changed – one thing remains the same: Your live show can make or break you. Much like Marvin Mosby wrote in his “Why Nobody Is Buying Your Music” post, you really can’t fake it… not if you really want to make it. Here’s why…

Looking for a quick and simple way to offer your fans some merch (or even make your own custom swag)? No problem. I have an simple solution for you to get a band merch store up and running fast. Check it out.

Turns out, music plays a more pivotal role in the well-being of those who indulge in it. This post discusses some of the things I have noticed in my own time playing, as well as some more tangible benefits I have come to hear about.

Many believe that the birth of rap began with Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” but it also was the first popular rap single to employ ‘sampling.’ This was not sampling in the traditional sense. Learn why.

A month ago I had the pleasure of visiting a music store for the first time in many, many moons. I stopped in at one of my old favorites, Deaf Ear Records in LaCrosse Wisconsin, and realized how much I missed the experience and thought I would share it with you either to reminisce or for you younger set, try to capture some of what you are missing out on.